MTSU Police Recover 9 Stolen Scooters After Student Tip

Two non-students arrested in connection with campus theft spike

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Middle Tennessee State University police have arrested two individuals not affiliated with the school after a student tip led them to recover nine stolen scooters from across the campus. The arrests came after the university issued a campus-wide email reminding students to secure their scooters due to a recent spike in thefts.

Why it matters

Scooter thefts have been an ongoing issue for MTSU, with the university urging students to take precautions to protect their property. This incident highlights the importance of community engagement in helping campus police address criminal activity, as the student's willingness to report a suspicious situation led to the recovery of the stolen scooters.

The details

After receiving the student's tip about an abandoned scooter, an MTSU police officer noticed two individuals matching the description of suspects in a previous 'Be On the Lookout' alert. Further investigation revealed the two individuals, who were not MTSU students, were responsible for multiple scooter thefts on campus.

  • On March 6, 2026, MTSU police issued a campus-wide email reminding students to secure their scooters due to a spike in thefts.
  • Shortly after the email, a student noticed an abandoned scooter and reported it to campus police.

The players

MTSU Police Department

The campus law enforcement agency at Middle Tennessee State University, responsible for investigating the scooter thefts and making the arrests.

MTSU Student

An alert student who noticed an abandoned scooter and reported it to campus police, leading to the recovery of the stolen scooters and the arrest of two suspects.

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What they’re saying

“We also want to thank our campus community for working with us to solve these crimes. It takes our community's eyes, ears, and knowledge to help us both try to prevent and solve crimes on campus. If you see something, say something. Your awareness helps keep our campus safe.”

— MTSU Police Department (MTSU Police Department Facebook Post)

What’s next

The MTSU Police Department is continuing to investigate the scooter thefts and will work to prosecute the two arrested individuals to the fullest extent of the law.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the power of community engagement in addressing campus crime. By heeding the university's call to report suspicious activity, a vigilant student helped the MTSU Police Department recover stolen property and apprehend the suspects, underscoring the importance of the 'see something, say something' approach to campus safety.